Promoting Leadership Principles in Product Management

Fearless at Work

The concept of being fearless is intriguing. Though it’s something I’ve heard and known about all my life, it was driven home in a profound way when I first read The Fearless Mind and began living the principles in my life and helping my son in his quest to become a top ballroom dancer. Understanding fear and learning how to deal with it effectively is key to progressing in any endeavor. Learning to be fearless at work will help you in your career.

Carroll uses his 37+ years of experience being trained by Buddhist teachers in contemplative disciplines for cultivating fearlessness. He shares his experience through 38 slogans divided into five main parts in the book:

The Five Primary Slogans

Exploring the Ironies of Cowardice

Taming the Mind

Establishing a Fearless Presence

Living a Skillful Life

The slogans in the first section are particularly interesting:

Face the fierce facts of life

No delight; no courage

Recognize fear

Discover the jewel of fearless abundance

Command gracefully

Developing a confident and fearless attitude is a choice we make, moment by moment for the rest of our lives.

To be perfectly honest, I do not agree with many of beliefs and teachings discussed in the book. However, the author’s application of the principle of fearlessness is useful. I recommend the book as a good reference for strengthening confidence.

—The Product Management Perspective: Confidence is a must-have for product managers. If you have any self-doubts or lack of confidence in your work, I highly recommend reading and applying The Fearless Mind and Fearless at Work.